BIFF Attacks Two Army Detachments; One Soldier Killed

An undetermined number of alleged Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) waged separate attacks in two army detachments in Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao before dawn on Saturday, killing a soldier and wounding three others, various reports said.

Capt. Joan Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson told ABS-CBN News that members of the BIFF assaulted the detachments of the 33rd Infantry Battalion in Sitio Sumilalao, Barangay Katiku, Sultan Kudarat and another in Barangay Kulasi, General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao with assault rifles.

Petinglay said a firefight that lasted an hour ensued following the BIFF’s attack. BIFF men withdrew from the area and retreated to a nearby marsh.

The casualties were all from the detachment in Barangay Katiku. The military declined to identify the slain and wounded soldiers pending the notification of their families.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Star reported that based on received feedback from barangay folks in the area, four BIFF bandits were killed while six others were wounded in the hostilities.